Teens Arrested, Charged With Vandalizing 12 Memorial Benches

GROTON CITY, CT — Officer Paul Ruddy didn't give up on the investigation and so seven months after the vandalism of 10 memorial benches at Eastern Point Beach three teenage boys have been charged by police.

The benches were ripped from the ground, thrown onto the rocks, chunks and shards scattered.

Police said that Sunday April 28, 2019, a total of 12 memorial benches, 10 at Eastern Point Beach and two near a city-owned pier on Shore Avenue adjacent to the beach were vandalized, and the damage was significant.

"...many of these benches were memorials to lost loved ones of City of Groton residents. Time spent at Eastern Point Beach is a cherished memory for so many in our community and it is an understatement that this vandalism was devastating to the effected families and so many local residents," the City of Groton Police Department wrote on Facebook.

Ruddy, in a "follow-up investigation on an unrelated case," found the suspects and got confessions form three boys; two aged 16 and one aged 17. Each was charged and referred to juvenile court.

"His initiative and follow through is credited by this office as having solved this high profile case. Simply put, his efforts are in the highest traditions of this agency and the profession overall in conducting quality follow up investigation," police wrote.

"If you see something say something," police wrote adding that they "appreciate and respect the information forwarded to us by our residents. It ensures we have a safe and vibrant community. Our in house dispatch is 860-445-2451, and we stand ready to help at times of need."